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summer coralroot
Scientific Name: Corallorhiza maculata var. occidentalis
Family: Orchidaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Spotted Coralroot (Corallorhiza maculata)
Corallorhiza maculata, commonly known as spotted coralroot or summer coralroot, is a fascinating orchid found across North America. Its unique characteristics and ecological role make it a noteworthy plant.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant relies on fungal partners to obtain nutrients.
Considerations for Children
- The plant has been used in traditional medicine as a dermatological aid.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Corallorhiza maculata (Raf.) Raf.
- Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid Family)
- Genus: Corallorhiza Gagnebin
- Synonym: Corallorrhiza maculata (Raf.) Raf., Cladorhiza
- Taxonomic Rank: Species, with Corallorhiza maculata var. maculata identified as a subspecies.
Common Names
- Spotted Coralroot
- Summer Coralroot
- Speckled Coral Root
- Large Coral Root
- Many-flowered Coralroot
- Western Coralroot
- Pacific Coralroot
Distribution and Habitat
The spotted coralroot is native to much of the US and Canada, including Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, Alberta and California. While orchids aren't typically associated with desert environments, the summer coralroot is found in some drier regions. The plant has also been spotted in Pike and San Isabel National forests.
Morphological Characteristics
- Corallorhiza maculata is a perennial plant, growing up to 0.5 meters (1 foot 8 inches) tall.
- It typically flowers from June to August.
- The flowers are hermaphrodite, possessing both male and female reproductive organs.
- It is leafless and chlorophyll-less, relying on a mycotrophic relationship with specific fungi.
Ecological Role
This orchid is mycotrophic, meaning it obtains its nutrients through a symbiotic relationship with fungi, rather than through photosynthesis. The plant relies on energy which their various fungal partners procure either from decomposing matter or other plants.
Quirky Facts
- The spotted coralroot is described as the most common and largest of the northern coralroot orchids.
- Despite being an orchid, it lacks chlorophyll and relies entirely on fungi for sustenance.
Further Information
- USDA Plants Database: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=coma4
- EOL (Encyclopedia of Life): http://eol.org/pages/1092008
- USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the
- Discover Life: Discover Life